Interview questions you should be asking

Interviews and their structure often vary depending on the sector and position. Some interviews may require multiple stages, including assessments, and some may require one conversation for both parties to establish whether they are a good match. 

Questioning in interviews plays an important role in obtaining the right match. Typically, an interviewee’s background, skill set, and experience are often the subject of questioning. However, other questions could equally highlight their qualities and suitability for the position. We’ll look at some of the questions employers should be asking in interviews. 


Assessing skills and experience 


Perhaps the most important factor in determining whether a candidate is a good fit for the position is based on their previous skills and experience. Although skills can be developed, hiring candidates who are already equipped with the necessary skills saves time in training and is ideal for those hiring contractors who are expected to complete the job in a specific period of time.  

Some of the common questions employers ask during interviews are: 

•    Can you walk me through your experience with [specific skill relevant to the role]?
•    What accomplishments are you most proud of in your career?
•    Can you share an example of a challenging situation you’ve faced at work and how you handled it?
•    How have your previous roles prepared you for this position?


Evaluating problem-solving and critical thinking


Problem-solving is a skill that employees are likely to use in any working environment. The ability to think critically and come up with solutions is a valuable soft skill candidates should have in all types of working environments. To assess this, some employers may set candidates an interview assessment or test to determine whether they have the skills they are looking for. 

Some of the common questions employers ask during interviews are: 

•    How do you approach solving complex problems or unexpected challenges?
•    Can you share an instance where you had to think creatively to achieve a goal?
•    How do you prioritise tasks when juggling multiple deadlines?


Are they a cultural fit? 


As well as hard and soft skills, identifying the right cultural fit for your business is very important. After all, a company is defined by its ethos both externally and internally; so hiring the wrong type of character, it can have a negative effect on your business. The candidate's ability to communicate well and work effectively in a team is essential for success when working in projects or generally on a day-to-day basis.  

Some of the common questions employers ask during interviews are: 

•    What type of work environment helps you thrive?
•    How do you typically collaborate with team members and managers?
•    What do you value most in a workplace culture?
•    How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism?


Competency-based questions are key 


As we previously mentioned, problem solving is key and the need for problem-solving comes into play when a situation arises. Employers are likely to ask interviewees about how they deal with different types of situations. It may be their ability to juggle tasks, meeting deadlines or being creative. 

Some of the common questions employers ask during interviews are: 

•    How do you approach solving complex problems or unexpected challenges?
•    Can you share an instance where you had to think creatively to achieve a goal?
•    How do you prioritise tasks when juggling multiple deadlines?


What are their career goals? 


A candidate's career goals can be a good indication of whether they match what you are looking for long term. It may be the skills that are on offer that they want to develop or the growth opportunities that they are seeking. Finding candidates whose career goals align with your company reduces the chances of early exits or employee dissatisfaction. 

Some of the common questions employers ask during interviews are: 

•    What skills are you looking to develop in your next role?
•    How does this position align with your career aspirations?


Whilst the suitability of a candidate often depends on their responses to such questions in an interview, asking the right questions will provide a good indication as to whether the interviewee is a good fit for the position. It also will help identify the right candidates who fit the culture that you are trying to build.